When symptoms flare, she gets outside and moves
Holly Tomey
Colorado
Year of diagnosis: I was diagnosed in 2024. For some reason it took a while for me to pay attention to the shaking on the right side of my body. For about three years I thought it was from lifting weights. It wasn’t.
Exercise of choice: I love to hike, walk my dog, lift weights, and run.
Favorite outdoor exercise: My favorite outdoor exercise is walking my dog, Micky. He is a 5-year-old lab, and he walks very fast. We have full-on conversations as we commune with nature.
Favorite place to hike: It is in Boulder, Colorado, at a place called Chautauqua. It has it all. Views, a steep incline at the top, and rocks to climb over. Because of the incline it is also one of my toughest hikes.
Most proud of related to outdoors: I am most proud that I took up running outdoors at age 59. After my Parkinson’s diagnosis I took advantage of physical, speech, and emotional therapy. At one point I wanted to start jogging, so I looked for a running coach. They are pretty expensive. Fortunately, I realized I could ask my PT person to help me start running. It is covered by insurance.
She measured the strength in my legs and told me what muscles needed extra training and how to train them. She also gave me a plan to begin running in intervals. One minute of running, one minute of walking. Two minutes of running and one minute of walking, and so on. I am up to 11 minutes of continuous running and am so proud of this work.
I also teach a weight training work-it circuit class to seniors. I have been open to everyone about having Parkinson’s. For me, it is important to talk about — I don’t want it to feel like some dark secret. The people in my weightlifting class have been on this Parkinson’s journey with me from the beginning, and because they depend on me, I feel needed.
Outdoor or exercise gear that is a must: My trail running Hokas. I still have to be very careful when I am running and walking, but my Hokas give me a lot of stability and confidence.
Biggest challenge with Parkinson’s right now: It’s not all rainbows and butterflies. I have stomach issues, dizziness, and fatigue that is almost too severe to describe. Depression sneaks in occasionally as well. That is when it is crucial to get outside and move!
How I try to stay positive: Movement and being outside works for me. I am also lucky enough to be a part of a Parkinson’s support group. We check in with each other, ask one another questions, and talk about symptoms and meds. Most beneficially though, we laugh. Weird things happen with PD, and sometimes you just have to laugh.
Career field: I am a retired teacher. During my last few years of teaching I would come home and go to bed at 6 p.m. I was also shaking on my way to work. I thought it was all stress; now I believe it was the Parkinson’s. I also drooled on the head of one of my student’s dogs as I bent over to pet it. Gross but also kind of funny.
Advice for someone with PD who is just starting to exercise: Start slow. Begin walking for 10 minutes a day or every other day for a week. Add minutes every week, whatever you are comfortable with. You’re in control. For some great information and instruction check out this CDC website.
_________________
If you have Parkinson’s and the outdoors and exercise are part of your life, you could be featured in Unshakable Voices, too. Email unshakablehiker@gmail.com.